Easy to Get Out of Adirondack Chair
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The Spruce / Grant Webster While you have lots of options when buying an outdoor lounge chair, the Adirondack chair is an iconic outdoor furniture piece that has symbolized summer relaxation since 1903. We tested 21 Adirondack chairs, noting how easy it was to put them together and how comfortable they were to get in and get out of. Then, we tested their limits: slamming them with medicine balls to assess durability; dousing them with a garden hose to see how well they repelled moisture; and smearing them with barbecue sauce and melted marshmallows to check how easy we could clean off outdoor cookout goop. Finally, each tester evaluated their product for its setup, comfort, support, adjustability, durability, and design. "Adding pretty pillows and even custom cushions can enhance Adirondack chairs and make them even more comfy," Andi Morse, founder and principal designer of Morse Design, says. "Painting them a subtle or bright color is another way to bring some personality to them." Our favorite Adirondack chair, the Highwood Hamilton Made in the USA Adirondack Chair, is available in several color finishes, has three adjustable reclining positions, and is easy to assemble and maintain over time. Here are the best Adirondack chairs, as tested by The Spruce. Amazon Our Ratings What We Like Comfortable Three reclining positions Fairly easy to clean Durable construction What We Don't Like Difficult to switch between positions Expensive The Highwood Hamilton Made in the USA Adirondack Chair is our top pick because it's made of high-quality poly lumber that resembles wood but is water repellent and can last for many years outdoors. The imitation wood not only adds to the chair's appearance but is also practical. First, you'll find no splinters. While wooden chairs can absorb water, soaking the chair with a hose simply caused water to bead up. We also found it was easy to clean up barbecue sauce; the melted marshmallows required a bit of scrubbing with a wet paper towel and dish soap, but eventually came off. While this chair doesn't have any additional features, such as a cup holder, you could confidently set a beverage on its flat, wide arms. This chair has cutouts on the arms, making it comfortable for larger bodies and parents cuddling small kids. The adjustable back has three reclining positions, but our tester noted that changing the position of the chair's back requires two hands and can still be quite difficult to accomplish. Assembly took over 10 minutes, but we had no problem, thanks to threaded inserts for the bolts and separate pieces. We also like that although the chair's durable material doesn't require storage, the piece can easily be folded flat to store during colder months. All this does come at a price. But overall, we believe this chair's intuitive design, comfortable and durable frame, and easy-to-clean surface make it a great investment piece for several seasons of comfortable outdoor living. The Spruce / Grant Webster The Spruce / Rachel Marek The Spruce / Rachel Marek The Spruce / Rachel Marek Home Depot Our Ratings What We Like Comfortable lumbar support Durable plastic Easy to clean What We Don't Like May not be best for tall people No folding option for storage If you're looking for the aesthetics of an Adirondack chair but balk at spending a lot on a wooden or heavy-duty version, consider the RealComfort Charcoal Resin Plastic Adirondack Chair. It's lightweight enough to be moved to different areas of your home and yard, but its durable plastic withstood a hit from two 15-pound medicine balls. Our tester, who is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, noted she fit in it comfortably, especially with the added lumbar support (but it may not be as comfortable for taller individuals). Aside from this chair's durable resin frame, we also like that its armrests are parallel to the ground, so you can easily use them as drink rests without worrying about spillage. Although this chair doesn't fold up, it could easily stack on top of others of the same style. While the RealComfort Charcoal Resin Plastic Adirondack Chair may not be the best chair of its kind, it fulfills its purpose while being comfortable and affordable. The Spruce / Grant Webster Amazon Our Ratings What We Like High-quality look and feel Priced less than similar options Adjustable back What We Don't Like Bends and creaks on impact If you're looking for durable design and easy construction in an Adirondack chair, then check out the YEFU Adirondack Chair. This chair is made out of a high-impact polystyrene that resembles wood but can withstand the elements without fading. We found the chair's recline comfortable, and enjoyed the option of reclining further or sitting more upright. Somewhat unsettlingly, the chair creaked when leaning side to side or backwards. The chair back also bent slightly and tipped over during our durability test. The online product listing notes that this chair only takes 15 minutes to assemble, but it took a single tester 29 minutes; 15 might have been doable with additional help to hold the heavier pieces. While this Adirondack chair is still expensive, we appreciate that it's priced less than similarly designed chairs. We recommend this chair for anyone who is in the market for a reliably designed Adirondack chair that's durable and available in numerous color options. The Spruce / Grant Webster Amazon Our Ratings What We Like Comfortable recline Sturdy Easy to clean What We Don't Like Difficult assembly While many folks love the traditional aesthetics of Adirondack chairs, often, the furniture piece doesn't blend into every style of outdoor decor. The POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack Chair is a great choice for anyone looking for a modern take on the classic chair design in a variety of colors. We found it pretty comfortable to sit in because of the angle of its back; our tester also noted that the resin material felt pleasantly smooth against bare legs. The modern-style chair easily passed our ordeals: It didn't move or crack when we slammed it with two 15-pound medicine balls, and the barbecue sauce and melted marshmallows wiped off relatively easily with a wet cloth. We wish it were easier to put together; the provided instructions weren't clear, and we had to consult the manufacturer's website, where detailed videos helped with assembly. Once we put it together, however, we found this Adirondack chair a great option for anyone looking for a modern and durable version of this classic outdoor chair. The Spruce / Grant Webster Grandin Road Our Ratings What We Like Comfortable height off ground Sturdy All-weather resistant What We Don't Like Lacked essential tools for assembly For traditionalists, the Grandin Road All-Natural Teak Adirondack Chair is a great wooden option—especially so for individuals who cannot squat too low. That's because this chair is higher off the ground than other Adirondack chairs we tested. We found it to have a sturdy build and design, thanks not only to its taller frame but also wide teak planks. We also noted that the arms are at a comfortable height, and wide enough to hold a drink or a small plate. The manufacturer terms this chair "all-weather resistant," but teak wood does patina to a silver color over time. If you prefer that it not fade, consider staining or sealing the wood and possibly sanding it regularly to maintain a fresh finish. Putting this chair together can be a chore without a power drill and screwdriver, which our tester resorted to, out of her own tool box. Besides that, the Grandin Road All-Natural Teak Adirondack Chair wooden chair is a great choice for anyone wanting the traditional charm and original style of the Adirondack chair. The Spruce / Grant Webster Amazon Our Ratings What We Like Easy-to-clean painted surface Comfortable seat depth Folding and lightweight What We Don't Like Confusing instructions Some pre-drilled holes missing If you live where you have to store your deck and patio furniture in the off-season, consider the Christopher Knight Home Hanlee Acacia Wood Folding Adirondack Chair. It's made from durable acacia wood; it's foldable; and it's lightweight enough to easily carry around. This chair also isn't as deep as other Adirondack styles, which made it more comfortable to sit in; plus, because of its painted surface, we didn't have to worry about splinters. We also were impressed that it didn't stain from the barbecue sauce and melted marshmallows we spilled on it. This chair arrives with all its pieces well labeled once out of the box, but it does take some time to assemble; we recommend having additional help and a power drill available. Some pieces were missing pre-drilled holes, which also slowed down assembly, and portions of the instructions were difficult to understand. But once we assembled this chair, we had nothing but good things to say about it. It's reasonably priced and well-made, and a good value for the money. The Spruce / Grant Webster Amazon Our Ratings What We Like Two cup holder styles Available in 23 colors Foldable What We Don't Like Additional tools needed for assembly One of the best ways to enjoy the comfort of an Adirondack chair is with a beverage in your hand. The Outer Banks Deluxe Adirondack Chair is a great choice for avid entertainers or anyone who wants a secure place to rest their drink when they're not sipping on it. This chair has two retractable cup holders—one, designed for cans and cylindrical cups; and the other, meant for stemmed wine glasses. You also can use the stemmed glass holder to support your smartphone for a hands-free, mobile television experience. This chair is made from poly lumber, which is a high-grade recycled plastic material that's waterproof and fadeproof. It's also available in 23 colors, so you're sure to find one that speaks to you, and it's foldable, so you can easily store it during the off-season. As with several of the Adirondack chairs we tested, the major downside was assembly: Our tested chair arrived with a deformed lag screw, so additional work was required. Also, be sure to have screwdrivers or a power drill on hand. But past this, we loved the comfort of this chair, its thoughtful design with two (!) cup holders, and its easy-to-clean surface. The Spruce / Grant Webster Best Overall: Highwood Hamilton Adirondack Chair Best Budget: RealComfort Charcoal Resin Plastic Adirondack Chair Best Design: YEFU Plastic Adirondack Chair Best Modern: POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack Chair Best Wood: Grandin Road All-Natural Teak Adirondack Chair Best Portable: Christopher Knight Home Wood Folding Adirondack Chair Best for Beverages: ECCB Outdoor Outer Banks Folding Adirondack Chair Final Verdict Our top pick for Adirondack chairs is the Highwood Hamilton Made in the USA Adirondack Chair. This chair is made from high-grade poly lumber and has three reclining positions for ultimate comfort outdoors. For a more affordable option, we recommend the RealComfort Charcoal Resin Plastic Adirondack Chair, which features built-in lumbar support and is lightweight for easy mobility throughout your lawn and home. The Spruce / Rachel Marek To recommend the best Adirondack chairs, we researched and purchased 20, from a variety of manufacturers and stores, and tested them on a hot, sunshiny day outdoors at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. First, we asked our testers to time the setup process, following the exact instructions provided by the manufacturer, and asked them to evaluate those instructions' helpfulness and detail. Once the chair was built, we asked our testers to sit in them, evaluating each product's comfort based on its recline abilities, any additional features, and general feel. We then checked the support of each chair by performing a tip test, which assessed how the chair moved and sounded when leaning in it from side to side and backwards. Durability was as much a testing factor as comfort, occupying a significant proportion of our evaluation. First, we threw two 15-pound medicine balls at each chair and noted any marks or cracks after impact. Then, to see how well each chair resisted staining from predictable cookout crud, we microwaved a marshmallow to s'mores consistency, smeared it on a chair arm, and let the goop set for 10 minutes before attempting to wipe it off with a damp paper towel. We repeated the process with a tablespoon of barbecue sauce. For both, we rated the chair on how easy it was to clean and whether there was any residue or staining. Finally, we hosed the chair with water, allowed it to pool on its surface, and noted whether it beaded up or soaked into the material, and how easily we dried it off with a towel. If a chair featured adjustability, we noted the comfort of each option and the ease of switching between positions. To evaluate each chair's design, we considered the material, color options, and additional features. Finally, we asked testers to note their chairs' listed prices, and asked them to rate the chair's value, and whether they'd recommend it to a friend or family member or purchase it themselves. Watch Us Test the Best Adirondack Chairs Adirondack chairs tend to be pretty sturdy. But some are more durable than others, so consider how involved you want to be in caring for it. Do you want an all-weather option that's easy to clean, or would you prefer something a little fancier—even if it means more upkeep? "You can go for the heavy originals," Kristin Bartone, creative director and principal designer at Bartone Interiors, says. "Or there are many current models made from heavy-duty plastic that you'll never have to refinish and [that] are super easy to clean with a garden hose." The Spruce / Rachel Marek The classic Adirondack chair is crafted from wood paneling, and it boasts a chair back that's slightly reclined and rounded along the top. You still can find Adirondack chairs fitting that traditional mold, but you also can find more contemporary options with sleeker, straighter lines. And you can snag Adirondack chairs in a range of different materials and in many colors. Adirondack chairs tend to be large and hefty, with solid wood chairs generally heavier than their plastic counterparts. Weight is important only if you want to move your chair around, such as from your yard to your patio, or if you need to stow it indoors during indoor seasons. Also, remember to double-check the dimensions of an Adirondack chair before buying, and including the seat size and overall height and width. The Spruce / Rachel Marek FAQ What is the best material for Adirondack chairs? Typically, Adirondack chairs are made from wood or plastic, and both materials have pros and cons. Wood is unlikely to chip, warp, or peel over time, but you might have to refinish it every few years to keep it in tip-top shape. Plastic tends to be more affordable and easier to clean, but it can chip, peel, or crack—meaning it might have a shorter lifespan. If you'd prefer a chair that lasts, with a little care and upkeep, opt for a wooden Adirondack chair. If you'd rather pay no attention to your Adirondack chair—and if you don't mind buying a new chair every few years—consider a plastic one. How do you clean Adirondack chairs? The cleaning process for an Adirondack chair tends to be pretty simple: Wash them with mild soap and water to keep them clean without hurting the integrity of the wood, Morse says. Keep in mind some Adirondack chairs require a little more upkeep, so be sure to read the care instructions before giving yours a scrub. How do you store Adirondack chairs? Many Adirondack chairs are designed to hold up in any weather, so you can leave them outside, rain or shine, without giving yours a second thought. But some aren't. If yours isn't, you might need to bring it inside during inclement weather, or you can leave it outside under a chair cover. Be sure to check the care instructions for the Adirondack chair you're eyeing to find out whether it needs to be stored inside or underneath a cover. You can always snag your chair and your cover at the same time. The Spruce / Rachel Marek This article was updated by Emma Phelps, an Updates Writer for The Spruce, who compiled the current roundup based on exclusive results from tests we performed at The Spruce Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Each of the selected Adirondack chairs in this tested roundup stand out for their construction, durability, design, and overall comfort. For extra insight, Emma consulted two experts—Johnathan Brewer, a licensed general contractor and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, and Andi Morse, founder and principal designer of Morse Design. With decades of experience in construction and interior design, Brewer and Morse provided helpful advice on what to look for in Adirondack chairs and how to care for them over time. Original reporting for this article was done by Deanna McCormack, a writer specializing in home, outdoor, and family products. Deanna reached out to Kristin Bartone, creative director, and principal designer at Bartone Interiors, to gain more insight on what to look for in Adirondack chairs.
Overall Rating Comfort Support Design Durability Value
Amazon 4.5 5 4 4 3.5
Home Depot 4 4 2.5 3.5 4
Amazon 4 4 5 3 4
Amazon 4.5 5 3 4 4.5
Grandinroad.com 4 5 3 4 3
Amazon 2 2 3 2 2
Amazon 5 5 5 5 5 Durability
Style
Size
Source: https://www.thespruce.com/best-adirondack-chairs-4589183
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